Fever Coach Stephanie White Defends Handling of Carrington Ejection Amid Backlash

Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White faced intense criticism after Chicago Sky guard DiJonai Carrington was ejected for a Flagrant 2 foul on Sophie Cunningham during an August 9 game. White, who previously coached Carrington, said she did not believe the foul was intentional, drawing backlash from fans and Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith, who called for her firing. Before the Fever's August 11 win over New York, White was booed by some home fans, prompting players Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham to publicly defend her. Clark said the booing made her "a little sick," and Cunningham said the team would "ride for her." White responded forcefully in a post-game press conference, saying she will always stand by her players and that critics can "go to hell." The Fever won the game 106–92, with Clark recording 22 points and 10 assists.